Steam Store has made it among the ultimate destinations for gamers with a vast and varied library with thousands of titles right at your fingertips. While the excitement runs high as you eagerly anticipate getting your hands on a new game, a pop-up of errors can feel like an unexpected wrench thrown upon you. Among others, one is the error code 101 that many users have reported facing in the Steam Store and this article will guide you on its causes and how to fix it. Let’s get started!
What is Steam Error Code 101 and How to Fix it
Regular sales, discounts, and special events, Steam has you covered. However, occasional errors are unavoidable for a platform with such huge traffic. Error code 101 typically indicates an issue with the connection between the Steam client application and its servers. While specific causes may vary, here are a few possible causes:
- Server downtime
- Network connectivity issues
- Corrupt cache data or installation file
- Restrictions by Windows Firewall or Antivirus
- TCP/IP blocking
Let’s fix the error right away. Follow the methods given below:
Method 1: Basic Troubleshooting
Start with some preliminary fixes and if they do not help, you can proceed to more advanced solutions.
Method 1A: Restart Steam, then PC
If the error may have been caused due to technical glitches or improper file loading, simply restarting the Steam client can resolve the issue. If that doesn’t help, try restarting the PC.
Method 1B: Wait for Server Uptime
Steam servers in your region may face discrepancies due to heavy traffic congestion or simply might be in maintenance mode. In such cases, it may result in errors being triggered by the app. It is advisable to check for the same on the official Steam status page and if there is a reporter downtime issue, wait until it is resolved.
Method 2: Troubleshoot Internet Connectivity
As we said, the error pops up when Steam fails to connect to its servers, and the most common reason behind this could be that the device is connected to a poor and unstable source of internet. You can refer to our guide on Slow Internet Connection? 10 Ways to Speed up your Internet! to improve the connectivity and get rid of the issue.
Method 3: Delete Corrupt Files in the Steam Client App
When you download and install the Steam client on the PC, it automatically downloads multiple files as required for the app to function. However, corrupt or damaged ones can cause trouble in the app’s functioning, which might be the case here. Let’s remove them.
Method 3A: Delete Web Browser Data
Steam offers a built-in web browser with quick access to guides and community discussions without leaving the platform. Follow the steps to delete it’s data:
1. Launch Steam and then click on Steam in the top left menu bar.
2. Choose Settings from the dropdown menu.
3. Navigate to the In Game tab on the left and click on Delete next to Delete Web Browser Data.
4. Click on Confirm in the pop-up.
Also Read: How to Play Steam Games from Kodi
Method 3B: Clear Download Cache
Cache and temporary files created while downloading games can also lead to conflicts with Steam. Clearing them out ensures the client app receives fresh files from the server, which might fix the current error. Follow the steps:
1. Launch Steam, click on Steam at the top-left corner and select Settings.
2. Move to the Downloads tab on the left.
3. Click on Clear Cache next to Clear Download Cache.
4. Confirm the deletion in the pop-up.
Method 4: Flush Out Steam Config. Files
Damaged configuration files or conflicting settings can hinder Steam’s ability to connect to servers and hence trigger error code 101. Follow the steps to flush them out:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Enter the command steam://flushconfig and press Enter.
3. Now wait for the process to complete and then Steam to download an update. Once done, check if the error is fixed.
Method 5: Delete Steam ClientRegistry.blob File
Steam client stores registration information for your games in the ClientRegistry.blob file. Occasionally this binary file can cause issues within the app. Follow the steps to delete it:
1. Open the Windows (C:) drive on This PC.
2. Follow the path: Programm Files (x86) > Steam.
3. Look for the clientregistry.blob file and Delete it.
4. Restart the PC, then Steam, and the file will again be created.
Also Read: How to Get Steam Points for Free
Method 6: Force Steam Protocol to TCP
TCP can comparatively provide a more stable network connection, reducing the likelihood of connectivity issues. Ultimately, this should fix the error code 101 in Steam. Follow the steps:
1. Right-click Steam on the Desktop and select Properties.
2. Navigate to the Shortcut tab.
3. In the Target field, add -tcp at the end of the existing path.
It should look something like this: “C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe” -tcp.
4. Click on Apply and then OK to save.
5. Launch Steam and check if using TCP has fixed the error.
Method 7: Renew IP Address
Probably the router may be assigning incorrect IP addresses. Renewing it means requesting a new numerical label for the device on a network, which would refresh the network connection and help resolve such issues. Follow the steps below:
1. In the Start menu, search for Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
2. Type the command ipconfig /release and press Enter to release the current IP address.
3. Next, type ipconfig /renew and press Enter.
This would request a new IP address from the router.
4. Once done, launch Steam and check if it works fine.
Also Read: Top 22 Games Like Heardle
Method 8: Use VPN
If the error persists, you can connect the device to a VPN service. This should resolve all the server issues as well by connecting the client to a different server.
Note: You can choose any VPN service as preferred. We have chosen Proton VPN for reference.
1. Download and install Proton VPN on your Windows laptop.
2. Choose a server from Free Locations or click on Quick Connect.
We have brought to you some of the best free VPNs. You can choose to subscribe to any of them.
Method 9: Add Steam as Exception to Windows Firewall
Windows Firewall monitors the network traffic and allows or blocks it based on predefined security rulestoo protect the system from unauthorized access or threats. You do not exactly have to disable the Firewall but can except Steam from being monitored. Refer to our guide on Allow or Block Apps through the Windows Firewall.
Method 10: Update Steam, then Windows
Outdated apps are often prone to bugs and software glitches. If the error persists, we suggest you update the Steam client. Follow the steps:
1. Open Steam and click on Steam at the top left corner.
2. Click on Check for Steam Client Updates…
3. If Steam notifies any available update, Download and Install it.
4. Check if this fixed the error. If not, Update Windows.
Method 11: Reinstall Steam
If none of the above solutions helped you, as a last resort we suggest you reinstall Steam. This will ensure you have a fresh installation of the client, potentially resolving any underlying issues. Before reinstalling, make sure to back up any important game files.
1. Under Programs in the Control Panel, select Uninstall a program.
2. Right-click on Steam, click on Uninstall and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. In the Start menu, search for %localappdata%, and open it.
4. Delete the Steam folder.
5. Now search for %appdata%, and delete the Steam folder in it.
6. Once done, Restart the PC.
7. Launch Steam’s official website and INSTALL STEAM from there.
8. Once installed, LOG IN to your account and check if the error in the Steam Store is fixed.
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That’s all about it! We hope our guide helped you fix Steam Error Code 101. If you have any queries or suggestions for us, do let us know in the comments section. For solutions to such tech-related issues, stay connected to TechCult.
